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Topic: [Terenis] Foreboding Forest (Read 32117 times)

After a good night's sleep, Bryce had already forgotten about the brawl he'd instigated and was feeling good, cleaning himself up with cold water and getting some breakfast in the inn common room with Klanu. The two of them gathered their few belongings and left to meet with the mayor, as the flier had said. They reached the building and Bryce was surprised at the number of people there, more so at the number of people who didn't go inside after the assistant called for heroes. Oh well, no matter. Bryce watched a couple people go inside, then followed them. As he reacdhed the door he heard some muffled voices and could just make out an offer of cheese. He entered the room to see two men already seated, so he found a pair of chairs and he sat down, leaving Klanu to do as he wished. His loose and garishly colorful clothing draped about him he looked up."If any of that cheese is still up for grabs, I'd appreciate a slice." He smiled at the man holding the loaf.

In the privacy of his head,where none could hear him,Klanu cursed his master with all the crude swear words he had picked up during boyhood in a vain attempt to join the fraternity of other adolscent males. Typical of Bryce to shoot off his mouth or do something bold and downright dumb with no regard for the consequences.

As the brawl of the previous night had so vividly shown. The collection of bruises he had picked up while being mandhandled by those drunks,still remained a rather colorful shade of back and blue. And now as he gently slid his body into the chair next to Bryce's,they screamed in protest,reminding him that it would take more than a night to get rid of them. He could thank for Bryce for that. Why couldn't he learn to give taverns and drunks a wide berth,knowing his gift for attracting troulbe like Uhol,the legendary rouge of the old tales?

Turning his head to address the two would-be- heros who had been interrupted in the midst of conversation by the thoughtless words of his master,he gave a forced smile. ''Forgive my mas-I mean friend for barging into your conversation,my lords. He can be a little blunt sometimes.'' Despite himself,he couldn't help taking a good look at the two strangers. Both were exotic to behold

One was a bizzarely pale youth that looked as if he had been hewn from a block of ice,so fair was he. He looked very young,no more than 17 perhaps. Klanu was not suprised. In some cultures,manhood begun very early. He himself had only been 18,when Bryce had captured him a few years ago. The other was much older,a Southner dressed in the ostentatious,richly decorated robes that the men of his kind wore. Like women they looked,in those flowing dresses of theirs. And as heavily as perfumed as women too,they were. This one was no exception. He positively reeked of musk. It was a wonder his young companion had not suffocated yet,being as close to him as he was. Nope,he didn't care much for those uppity Southners with their arrogant airs and womanish ways. Some traders from his tribe who had ventured as far as the burning lands where the Southners lived,to trade their ambergris for the herbs and exotic woods of the dessert,had spoken of their legendary arrogance which all foreighners were subjected to. Ha. Like any of them were fit to even lick the feet of a true warrior of the Snake Rider people. True,he himsef had been accused of being womanish in the painful days of adolscence,but it was doubtful if he had ever been more effimanate then those Southners. He pitied their women

Logged

“I'm yet another resource-consuming kid in an overpopulated planet, raised to an alarming extent by Hollywood and Madison Avenue, poised with my cynical and alienated peers to take over the world when you're old and weak.” -Bill Watterson

Itascia's attention moved from person to person in the room. Observing them. Studying them. Wondering what qualities they could bring to the exploration of the forest. Joining up with a group might not have been such a bad idea. And at least one would have someone to talk to and to help watch your back in any tough situations that might present themselves.

An appreciative glance to Mirani.The stuff she had been given was working well to ease the ache in her throat. Though her voice would still be a bit strained and raspy for a few days, possibly a week. Her attention moved to the others.

The southerner, the albino, the wildman, the redhaired fellow and the large man that followed. Not a bad bunch. Another glance towards Mirani. She then looked towards the front of the room. A sigh being issued, almost in-audible. Two women so far. And already she could tell that nmost her thought she was some beardless fresh faced youth eager to carve a name for himself. She had to admit that her garments and sometimes her mannerisms seemed to yell boy. And that was a good thing most of the time. So let them think she was just a boy, it seemed better that way.

Now if only the mayor would arrive already. She was bored, tired of waiting. Ok, so patience wasnt a virtue.

So, not all cheese would be left for me after all, but I still would share: offering someone food is a primal bond, as is sharing a kill between wolves, or feeding the young. One who has accepted free food from you will be better disposed towards you, a welcome benefit.I cut off a piece, and handed it to him, hoping that the eyes of the extroverted stranger would focus on it and not me, though I was sure that sooner or later, those sparkling, lively eyes would study me inquisitively. A shiver ran down my spine at that thought, but I could not help it - while I liked to observe jovial extroverts having fun, they also were those whose presence'd be most disconcerting to me. I knew that if he'd focus his attention upon me, I'd be hard-pressed not to freeze up like a stick, my cover blewn aside like a cobweb in the wind.Cheese. Must concentrate on the cheese. Good cheese. With lots of fat in it. Nutritious. I fully expected to grow still more in the next months, and one could not get enough cheese for that.Imagining how I'd buy another loaf or two, I gave all a pleasant smile, and relaxed in my chair, as if I had all the time of the world.

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"Captain, the buttocks are moving from the pink into the red and purple spectrum! We cannot maintain this rate of spanking any longer!"

"I am pleased to meet you, Coram." Hashang offered his hand in return to the strange man, though for a second the pale one seemed for a second to freeze, as the gazelle in the face of the leaping lion. "I come seeking whatever it is which has created this forest." He leaned closer, as if he did not wish to be overheard- he felt comfortable relating his true reasons to this man, whatever may be the reason. "I feel that it may be a strong magic, and that this may aid me in regaining my former land. I have certain ambitions..." He left this ambiguous.Hashang had surprised himself with this admission- he had learned very early to be close-lipped in his manner.

Failing to notice the momentary look of worry cross the face of the pale one before he resumed his conversation with the southner,Klanu gave an almost inaudible little sigh of relief,glad that neither of the two had taken offence at Bryce's abrupt interuption.

If these were the companions they would have to journey with into the dark forest,he didn't want his master to get off on the wrong footing with them. In the wilderness,the only human companionship they would have was each other and the last thing he wanted was for Bryce,may that mouth of his be sealed by the Gods,to get on everyone's nerves with his incessant prattle. In my tribe of the Karna,he reflected wryly,Bryce would have found himself challenged to a death duel every other day. The gods be blessed that he hadn't been born to the Snake Rider people. Bryce probally wouldn't have survived boyhood,had that been the case.

Not that he didn't like Bryce or his company. Throughout the years of his ritual bondage,Bryce had never done other than show him the respect one warrior was entitled to give another,though his skills at arms far exceeded Klanu's. In fact,now that they were about to venture into the forest,he was glad that he was travelling with someone as good with a blade as Bryce. Though that was hardly a guarantee against the horors that would definately lurk within. Involuntarily,he gave a little shudder. That dark,sinister mass of trees radiated an aura of darkness that even now,seemd to creep into his very blood,making it curdle slightly. It was full of what the wizened old priestess in his tribe would have called''Daru.'' Dark power. Evil magic. Old forests were full of it,filled with beings that resented the presence of humans,beings old beyond imagining. This was the reason why his people shunned these old forests,prefering to roam their beloved rivers and seas.

But this particular forest was not old. It had appeared out of nowhere only recently,casusing many a village and town to vanish. All the more reason to fear it.

With a great effort,he pushed the forest out of his mind. If Bryce would brave it ,then so would he. No warrior of the Karna would do otherwise. And more importantly,until that dreaded moment of entering the forest was upon them,he would do well to think of other matters. The most pressing of them was getting Bryce to avoid vexing the others on this expedition. The rational,pessimistic part of him told that it was a lost cause he had embraced,but he ignored it and launched into his vailant attempt.

Turning in his chair,he bent his neck to whisper into the small man's ear,taking great care not to let the two strangers hear what he was saying. He had no desire to embarass Bryce. ''''Er,my lord,I know that your warm,spontaneous personality has charmed many,but perhaps you might consider being a little more ... discreet?''

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“I'm yet another resource-consuming kid in an overpopulated planet, raised to an alarming extent by Hollywood and Madison Avenue, poised with my cynical and alienated peers to take over the world when you're old and weak.” -Bill Watterson

Distain, in some faces disgust. Greyson ignored the townsfolk as he made his way through the crowd that had gathered outside the courthouse. He had been in Cuedrim for better than half a year and hod done quite alot of work for the mayor, as well as the constable of the township. Most people thought of mercenaries as little more than hired murderers, and black-eyed assassins.

Before Cuedrim he had trained youths how to soldier for the local militia, taught them to form lines, and take cover under arrowfire and shieldwalls. He had taught young men, and some women how not to die. He supplemented that income with the occassional bounty hunting, another misunderstood occupation.

With the influx of people into Cuedrim, lawlessness had risen. Some people were waylaid on the roads and robbed. A few had even been strung up and hung to death by some other vigilante. It was likely a local since no one saw anything or knew anything. He scowled involuntarily. He put the highwaymen in the hands of the constable, and took the 10 silver piece reward, and turned in the thieves he caught, along with the rest of the dregs of humanity. Still, the locals thought him a blood hungry monster, a murderer of children, rapist, and perpetraitor of heresy, blasphemy, andn what ever other sins excited their imaginations and tongues.

Maybe a trip into the forest, paid, might be the sort of vacation he needed. just to get away from the little town for a while. If he came across somewhere better he might stay. It didnt help his reputation with the locals that he was a drifter, didnt have land, wasnt bound to serve a liege or lord. Freeman. He had his armor and shield, his sword and his horse. That was all he needed.

He made his way into the courthouse, entering the sitting room where the other would be adventurers had gathered. They were an interesting bunch, a far cry from the warriors of lore, clad in shining plate and elven silk.

He found an open seat and sat, the chair groaned under the weight of the warrior and his battered, but well maintained armor. His tip of his scabbard scraped the floor as he rested.

"A home is one of the most valuable assets, provided that it is the place where your heart is, not just a dwelling. A home lost, and longing driving you there - that is a cause worth fighting for."

I though about where my home was: Was it the place of my birth? I doubted it. The burned shell of a castle where I spent years of training? No, a pile of rocks.

It was the people. My home was indeed where my heart was, with those dear to me.Old Hranngar, the leader of our order, so old that his hair was as white as mine. He tried to cheer me up regularly: "So young and so serious? Lighten up, you'll have time for wrinkles in your face when you're my age...Jared, my uncle, who, though strict, taught me well, and cared for me as if I was his own.Brash Arnwald, fiery and optimistic, delighting in his duty, who saw the Hunt as a sport, and his comrades as teammates... he once told me: "When you're a seasoned hunter like me, well compare our trophies, and we'll see if you can best me!"Juerne, the only one who ever cared for me in other ways besides being a friend... I was too timid to reply to any of the playful proposals.Rowan. Timber. Sunfire.Yes, peole were my home.

"Everyone should have a home to call his own. " I added."Though gaining a home is of no use if you lose yourself in the process... magic can do that."

I gave the last bit of my lunch to Timber, and petted him behind the ears.

Logged

"Captain, the buttocks are moving from the pink into the red and purple spectrum! We cannot maintain this rate of spanking any longer!"

For a time, the eight waited within that room, nothing but the occasional words to one another and the methodical ticking of the timing contraption accompanying them. It was not until the long hand of the 'clock' was an inch along from the uppermost dot, did the door open once more. In entered a man. Six feet tall, broad shouldered and bronze-skinned, he was. Though his dark hair had streaks of grey which suggested he was in his mid-forties, the mans physique showed he had the strength and stamina of someone in the prime of their life. The groups gaze followed the man steadily as he walked silently across the floor and - with the exception of Greyson, who has had dealings with the mayor before - all were surprised when this man did not sit in one of the eighteen seats provided for adventurers, but in the single one on the opposite side of the table.

"I sincerely apologise for keeping you all waiting so long - I had 'business' with a small band of lowlives trying to string up people without reason." The bronzed mans tone was affluent and rich and exotic in nature. It was clear he was not born in Cuedrim. "I am the mayor of Cuedrim. My name is Leyri Canus. And I expect that all of you here are aware that there is an enormous forest growing just shy of my town. Its not the most difficult thing to see." Leyri paused in his words for a while to glance around, taking in each and every one of the people in the room. His mouth twisted into a faint frown at the sight of all the empty seats, however. "I had expected more... For all the obnoxious, crude people running around bragging in my town, you would expect them to actually prove their worth, hm? Well, no matter. For all of you who HAVE turned up, I do thank you - and please forgive me if you think I class you with the rabble out there; that is not the case." Once more the mayor paused, offering a brief glance to the hound at Coram's feet before continuing "Of all of you here, I know only Greyson," A faint nod is offered in the direction of the mercenary, "But I am sure, like him, I can put my confidence in each of you. But on to the details!"

"You all may have noticed that the main path to Cuedrim enters from the east, and continues throughout the center of town to leave at the east. Of course, the east of Cuedrim is now completely overrun by the forest. This forest is enormous, and has engulfed fourteen towns, in all. What I would have each of you do is enter the forest, and first - seek out the nearest town to us: Falamir. Falamir was a mere day and a half journey along the cobbled road that left town to the east, and though most of the cobble has been removed or overgrown, I am certain the path is still followable. Once you reach Falamir, I would like you to search for survivors and take a report on anything you find in the town. Any survivors you find, should be escorted back out to Cuedrim. From Cuedrim, you will then move back in to do the same for the second town - Uldama - which is nearly a weeks journey on foot. I want you to do the same in there, as you had done for Falamir - find survivors and escort them back, and take a report.""I believe Uldama is quite near the center of the forest, however, so before you leave once more for Cuedrim, I ask of you to scout around the area to see if you could find any reason that a forest could appear in the span of several hours, in a formerly sunburned land."Leyri paused for a while, glancing from one adventurer to the other, "I don't know what to expect from within those trees, but I want you all to be on guard. Perhaps theres nothing in there, and the worst you'll have to worry about is a few mangy wolves, but even still...""Though this is a fairly small town, we have made quite a profit, selling our woodworking wares and grain throughout the western lands. I will give you money enough for supplies now; you'll find a few places to buy food, water and packs in town, as well as a few small weaponry goods; sharpening stones and the like. After you return with the first group of survivors, you will be paid two hundred KÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¨yre each. After the second group of survivors, you will get four hundred more. Thats enough to live comfortably for half a year - please be thorough. Prove to me that you are worth such expense.""I would like to see you all leave together and stay together, so please meet up just shy of the forest on the east road after you buy what you need. I used to be quite an adventurer in my time - I travelled and painted all the paintings you see on these walls - so I know how it can be. So best of luck."His speech done, Leyri stands once more and turns to the clock contraption, studying it briefly before turning back - the long hand is now pointed just before the upper-right dot. "Questions before you leave, anyone?"

"I sincerely apologise for keeping you all waiting so long - I had 'business' with a small band of lowlives trying to string up people without reason." When the Mayor spoke those words, Itascia's hand rose absently to touch her bruised throat. A silent prayer of thanks being issued. Hopefully the mayor had put and end to that bunch. But still she would keep a weary eye out for the group's leader.

Itascia glanced around at the others before speaking. She cleared her throat briefly. But her voice was still raspy and alittle gravely, stupid rope burn. "So our main priority is pretty much Search and Rescue?" Wanting to verify.

Her mind going over what provisions she would make sure to bring with. Most of the contents of her pack would be sold to buy supplies. Messenger birds would be of use. Perhaps a local had some trained to return to Cuedrim. She could buy a few to take with. Send messages back using them, like if they reached Falamir and there were no survivors. It would be pointless to return without any survivors when they could push onward to Uldama.

Matter-of-factly, as soon as the small fellow was done speaking, I added: "Most probably. Yet..." I turned to the mayor: "... I take for certain that there is some force or being behind this unpleasant phenomenon, that can be found and dealt with appropriately, preventing this occurrence from spreading. Do you offer any bonus for that?"

I knew well that exactly this was my mission: while I was supposed to save a few from danger, my main goal was to defeat the danger itself. I might as well get paid for it - the Order needed every nickel.

Parallel to that, I began to think of what I might need: oat for Rowan, provisions, spare bolts for my crossbow... something flammable might come in handy, oil perhaps.

Then, I gave everyone in the room a glance, and added: "I persume we will be travelling together? If not, who wishes to join me?"

Logged

"Captain, the buttocks are moving from the pink into the red and purple spectrum! We cannot maintain this rate of spanking any longer!"

"I shall accompany you," said Hashang, stepping folding muscular arms across broad chest. "And let us pray to all Gods that we are not the only ones." His eagle glare swept across the empty seats and the small group.

The mayor offered a faint nod towards Itascia at her question, "That is right. Although investigating the cause of this forest is also highly desired. As for your question, sir" His gaze switched to Coram, "Honestly, I havent the faintest clue what could have caused this forest to appear. All I know about it, I have told you. Additionally, I would prefer if you would all travel together, rather in separate groups. There is safety in numbers, and since you'll basically be following a road, there is little reason to split up."

Itascia visibly shrank from away from Hashang's piercing glare. Looking down at the floor. When it came to trying to match intimidating stares...Itascia was miserable at it. "I'm going too." She wasnt going to be some coward who slinked away to hide in the shadows. She had come here with her mind made up. Not even a brush with death had changed her mind thus far.Itascia would not have been there if she didnt plan on following it through. She had even been hung before arriving. It appeared as though the Fates wanted her here on this mission, and so she would oblige them.

Klanu would not have thought it possible,but when the Southner's ferocious hawk like stare swept across him and the others,he actually found himself staring very intently at a black bug making it's slow laborious way across the floor of the hall. Gods,that man had eyes that could burn a hole through your very soul.

He was sure that the other young warriors of his tribe would have mocked him with gleefully with the old names they had invented for him long ago, had they been around to see his shameful refusal to meet the stare of the Southner. But then again,he thought to himself a little wryly,those same strutting roosters would not have been able to stand unflinching in the stern gaze of the Southner either. Those eyes of his... They radiated power,burning,barely restrained power.

Klanu swallowed slightly. He had been wrong about this man. He was not your ordinary pompous Southner to be sneered at. This man was capable of great danger. And Klanu would do well to stay out of his way.

But the mayor's words did carry some sense. Travelling alone or in little groups,would put them at the mercy of the things that prowled the dark forest. So yes,they would be wise to accept the Southner's invitation if that was what you could call it. As for Bryce,he would only be too glad to travel with the others,craving company the way he did. Klanu prayed silently to the Godess that he would not get on the Southner's nerves,skilled blade master or not.

Bringing his head down to whisper into Bryce's ear,he muttered a hurried ''with your leave,my lord'',then turned to face the Southner and the pale one,taking care not to meet the former's eyes. ''I and my friend would be glad to share your company for the long trek through the forest,my lords'' he said smoothly,touching his forehead in the sign of respect common among his people.

It was normally done only to honor chieftains or tribal priests,but it would do no harm to humour the Southner's no doubt bloated ego.

Logged

“I'm yet another resource-consuming kid in an overpopulated planet, raised to an alarming extent by Hollywood and Madison Avenue, poised with my cynical and alienated peers to take over the world when you're old and weak.” -Bill Watterson

I had to smile as I saw the first strands of social dynamics being woven. Having always been an outside observer during the childhood games of other kids, I had an eye for this.Hashang was used to command, and would not respond kindly if the actions of others differed from his wishes too much. I expected trouble sooner than later, especially given the apparent natures of some of our comrades-to-be: The bright wardrobe of Bryce seemed to reflect his nature well, and I was sure that he'd provoke Hashang, seeing it as a game, a challenge to see how far he could drive him before he explodes.The ... priestess? Sorceress? ... in white - she seemed so unimpressed by this show, she'd be the thorn in the side of any wannabe leader of this small company - I fully expected her to listen to a proposed plan, then point out the holes in a calm and reserved fashion, and put it down with a sarcastic smile. It would take more than a high testosterone level to gain her respect.

I had to step lightly, lest I be caught between millstones.

"I suggest we go through our inventories as to know what we need and what not, and depart tomorrow with the break of dawn."

I already knew what I needed for my inventory: sedative herbs in case some hot-head needed a nap, and socks. How could I have forgotten the socks?

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"Captain, the buttocks are moving from the pink into the red and purple spectrum! We cannot maintain this rate of spanking any longer!"

it was hard to get a measure of the southerner. His countenance was stern, and commanding, someone who was used to taking the lead and holding it, in the face of danger and many challenges. What remained to be seen was if hre was a good leader, one deserving of respect and loyalty, or another pompus ass who would liekly get them all marched off to a brutal and bloody death. Greyson had his share of both, and unfortunately the second type were by far the more common.

"Groups work better in unknown situations," Greyson said, "Unless anyone here is an Anawaith ranger, and I doubt that, we should all go together. My sword, shield, and steed are all ready in the fullfilment of this task."

Hashang was pleased. That so many had returned his glance spoke volumes to him- these were not the cowardly Northern dirt-farmers that he had encountered so far. Perhaps not, Hashang believed, the finest among tigers (which was equivalent to "cream of the crop"), but he had seen much worse.During his days as the feared Desert Wind, when he raided the caravans of fat-handed merchants and haughty Imperial emissaries, he had led a much more motley army- a corps of his most loyal guards and friends from his earlier days, several bands of no-goods from Tsolkeshmeyu and Ulakhtom, and bandits who had already inhabited the desert, and all, save for his boon companions, were filthy, lowborn, cowardly, untrained.

It would be difficult to turn them to his needs. Northerners were sickeningly independent- they did not bend to the will of their betters. But like iron, they would snap under enough weight (where Southerners might bend with it like saplings) and then would be useless to him. No, better to work around their will, to be the stream about the stones.

Towards the Snake Rider (for a Snake Rider he patently was- the Southerners knew these kind well), Hashang returned the respectful touch of the forehead, and added to it the military salute of his kingdom, thumping fist with chest.

Aurakh smiled. The games men play to decide who is to rule and who is to bow, never ceased to amuse him.

Yet this is an important matter. I am not about to trust my life to a stranger based on nothing more than a hard gaze and lots of perfume.

"I agree with...", Aurakh nodded in the direction of the the pale, deadly serious youth. Already he had forgotten his name, if he had even provided one in the first place. "We should do an inventory!". Aurakh rose from his chair, leaning over the table while looking into the eyes of those present. "But not an inventory of equipment. Rather I say we do an inventory of skills. If we are to function as a group, we have to know our roles, our strengths and weaknesses, lest we erupt into panic and confusion at the first sign of danger!"

Besides I don't want to be stabbed while I am sleeping, just because the leader is inept

"As for me; I am no leader. I am a scout and an old one at that. I served with the Thimari-Kaneese in the Fang wars and I lived to tell the tale." He looked at the old mercenary and smiled. "While I am no Anawaith ranger, I am sure I would be able to survive on my own within any forest. Still I would not be able to enter heavily guarded areas without aid, nor would I be able to rescue anyone but myself, should the townsfolk prove unskilled at combat, as townsfolk are wont to be."

Klanus' heart soared. Never had he expected the fierce eyed Southner to return his gesture of respect with the proud slaute of the Southern folk. This then,was a man who would respect those he regarded as his fellows in courage and steadfastness. Immediately,Klanu felt himself warming up to the Southner. If he could salute one not of his haughty race,then he couldn't be as bad as the Southners the traders from his tribe had encountered. A leader who would be hard with his followers true,but one who could recognize bravery when he saw it. Yes,Klanu could see himself getting along just fine with this likely leader,as long as he gave the Southner no cause to be dissapointed with him.

With this proud thought feeling his head,he turned to the forester and said in a quiet but confident voice,''Unlike you,I am not at home in the forest,but should need arise,I am more than capable of using my war axe to defend my companions. Also,though I doubt we will find much use for it on this expedition into the forest,I have great skill with manipulating the sails of a long boat. As for my friend,'' and he gestured to the still seated Bryce, '''you would be hard pressed to find one who can weild a sword with the deadly grace than he can.''

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“I'm yet another resource-consuming kid in an overpopulated planet, raised to an alarming extent by Hollywood and Madison Avenue, poised with my cynical and alienated peers to take over the world when you're old and weak.” -Bill Watterson

"I can scout too. Good climber as well." If need be, Itascia could climb to the higher branches in a tree to be a lookout. Removing the herbal remedy Mirani had given her. Another small amount taken. All though this talking was brief, it still irritated her bruised throat.

Being small also made her less visible through the underbrush or in large crowds. She would do what she could to aid the group.

She silently wondered how well this rag-tag bunch would get along. Making up her mind that she would go with, but do her best to stay out of their way. Last thing they needed was her underfoot. Especially if things went badly. And with the woman in white most likely going as well, they would at least have two who knew something about healing.

"Nice to have you around, Aurakh, Klanu, Itascia..." I smiled at each of them in turn ... actually, tried to smile, for smiling is not one of my strengths - even when highly content, just a hint of a smile flies across my lips... perhaps I am afraid to admit that I might be happy even when I should?"I am sure you will benefit us all."Then, I became much more serious, as if there had been a death in my family."I hope, with the entirety of my heart, that my skills will not be needed... I am a hunter - of demons. Nightcrawlers, chimerae, mindflayers... - I banish them to where they belong."

After a pause, I added: "Alchemy is not foreign to me as well.... and, as you will have noticed, I get along with animals quite well."

The smile as I petted Sunfire was an honest one.

Logged

"Captain, the buttocks are moving from the pink into the red and purple spectrum! We cannot maintain this rate of spanking any longer!"

Klanu's mouth dropped open. This was the last thing anyone would expect a beardless boy barely on the road of manhood to say. A slayer of fiends? That had been unexpected.

''By the gods,you sound like a hero from the old tales. No disrespect intended lad,but do you make this proud boast in jest?''

Logged

“I'm yet another resource-consuming kid in an overpopulated planet, raised to an alarming extent by Hollywood and Madison Avenue, poised with my cynical and alienated peers to take over the world when you're old and weak.” -Bill Watterson

Aurakh scratched his beard. He had only met two people able to banish fiends. One was a wizened old shaman and the other a powerful sorceror with grey in his beard. The Shaman was of the Yarang and had purged more than one shadow from the root of a sick tree. The other had died screaming one night, several years ago, gutted by the very fiend he sought to slay.

You voice what we all think Klanu, but for the sake of the Forest Lady; you could show more tact. Still there is something about the boy. I wonder if he has proved his worth in any way. Well, if nothing else he DOES have a nice affinity for animals. He could at the very least guard the horses while the professionals do the dangerous work

Rather than talk or look at Klanu and the pale boy, Aurakh studied the others, gauging them and studying their reactions to this outrageous claim.

The look of doubt on her face was obvious. But she rarely trusted the boasts of others. Actions always spoke louder than words. Should he be telling the truth, then he would be very valuable to the quest. And if it were a lie, then there was a chance he could become careless and get one of them hurt or worse.....killed.

But that was a risk they were taking on each other. Trust needed to be formed. Though it could not just be given. Real trust had to be earned. It was going to be a long journey.